But what if you are already living with the disease?
What should you eat to raise the odds in your favor?
It can be confusing to think about howfood can fight cancer, even to scientists.

Anettelinnea/istockphoto
Pears (as well as apples) contain a phytochemical calledphloretinthat is thought to have anti-tumor activities.
Keep in mind that most green tea does have caffeine.
Compounds such as ECGC don’t last, and the amount found in most soft drinks is very low.

isa-777/istockphoto
Consider adding a touch of lemon instead, which enhances the absorption of this compound.
Researchers observednon-small cell lung cancercells containing an EGFR mutation, to see what effectvitamin D3may have.
The cells were treated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3the breakdown product of the vitamin which circulates in the blood.

gbh007/istockphoto
It was found that in this setting vitamin D3 inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells.
If your level of Vitamin D is low, your oncologist can talk about thebest supplementto improve your level.
Since metastases are the leading cause of death for people with cancer, this is an important finding.

Allyso/istockphoto
Ginger is thought to have other health benefits as well, particularly in helping people with chronic pain.
Curry
bdspn/istockphoto
Turmeric, an essential ingredient in curry among other foods, contains the compound curcumin.
For those who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer, the news is good as well.

GooDween123/istockphoto
On the other hand, when cooked as curry, curcumin has a better availability and is better absorbed.
One form ofanthocyanidinknown asdelphinidinmade a significant difference for mice inoculated with EGFR mutated human lung cancer cells.
An added benefit are studies finding that anthocyanidins may help prevent the formation of blood clots (thrombosis).

bdspn/istockphoto
Carrots
robynmac/istockphoto
Carrotsare an excellent source of a phytochemical known aschlorogenic acid.
Some treatments for cancer are designed to interrupt this process which is calledangiogenesis.
Unlike some foods which can lose their protective phytochemicals during cooking, carrots are an exception to the rule.

JamieB/RooM/Getty Images
One of the problems with lung cancer treatment is that cancer cells have a mind of their own.
The are “smart” if you will, and become resistant to treatments designed to eliminate them.
Of course, there is controversy in recommending an alcoholic beverage, but don’t be worried.

robynmac/istockphoto
In addition, lycopene has antiinflammatory properties which may help lessen both the promotion and progression of lung cancer.
Flax has a component calledlignanswhich may be responsible for these effects.
Researchers treated mice who were living with lung cancer to a diet of flax seed.

joruba/istockphoto
take a stab at make your meals an experience and a time of joy.
Take the time to set a beautiful table.
Play music you love.

GOSPHOTODESIGN/istockphoto
Savor each moment while you dine.
Those who have lived with cancer know that life is too short to do anything else.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are part of this list, among others.

margouillaphotos/istockphoto
This is due to their vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that may have anti-cancer effects.
Murata M.Inflammation and cancer.Environ Health Prev Med.
2018;19(1).

Nadalinna/istockphoto
2013;8(10):e77270.
2013;13:179. doi:10.1186/1471-2407-13-179
American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR).AICR’s foods that fight cancer.

Elanathewise/istockphoto